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Why Purchase used tubes?

Is it the price? I don't understand. You buy a wonderful used tubes that tests out better than perfect. What is the guarantee, after you hook those babies up to your rig, that they won't start to degenerate. NOS are surely more expensive, but brand spanking new! Would this be the best way to go if money wasn't a factor? I'm tubie newbie, but getting there...thanks warren :)
warrenh
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
My tube mentor happens to agree with Tvad on the Siemens Cca. Tvad, what type of tubes did you use in your Exemplar Denon 3910?
elevick
2,638 posts
 
I only like used tubes to play with. If used ones make a "difference" in my system, then I'll go buy NOS ones. However, some of the best dealers will computer match the used tubes. These will be virtually identical and should sound and wear that way. Try upscaleaudio.com
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
After reading Joe's Tube Lore on AA, the Amperex 6922 PQ, US (shield, gold pins) sound excellent. The Holy Grail Amperex (same with the pinched waist) are out of my league. Joe says the sonic qualities are very close, however. Also, another interesting thing is going for the 5751 as a substitute for the 12AX7 Telefunkens and Seimens. Anybody with listening experience comparing the two? He absolutely, resolutely says the best of the 5751 kills the Seimens.
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boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Joe's Tube Lore is an excellent guide, though I have found quite a few tubes to vary from his descriptions, depending upon the component used. In two different amps, for example, the Mullard 2493 (6922 equivalent) sounded much more balanced and tonally pure than either the Amperex Pinched Waist or the Telefunken CCa. A friend and I also heard the Pinched Waist in his DAC, and they sounded more etched than his stock tubes. Go figure. I have yet to find an Amperex (save for a 6X4 rectifier) that didn't sound too bass heavy...could be the room, who knows?

The guides are useful, for sure, but your own ears will be the final judge.

Now, the Siemens 1960s (not 1970s) CCa's...yeah, those are sweeeeeet! Definitely get the MBG, however, in case they are microphonic.
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